Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism about Martin Odegaard's potential comeback after a seven-week absence caused by a left knee injury.
Odegaard, who missed games since early October following
a medial collateral ligament injury sustained during a match against West Ham, participated in training and is close to being fit enough to return for Arsenal's crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Arteta mentioned the decision about Odegaard's inclusion will be made shortly, noting that the midfielder was nearly ready for the previous match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Alongside Odegaard, other players such as Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are also nearing fitness to face Bayern. While Odegaard is eager to regain his starting position, competition from in-form players like Eberechi Eze means he might initially return as a substitute to rebuild his fitness gradually. The medical team is taking a cautious approach to ensure a smooth reintegration into the squad after his injury layoff.
At the pre-match press conference of the Bayern Munich match, Arteta provided an encouraging update on the Norwegian.
"We are going to have a meeting now to decide as well on Martin. He was very close for the previous game. We are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad as well," Arteta said.
Two other Arsenal stars, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, are also closing in on a return to the side, and the Spaniard is content with their progression.
"Really good, both of them. In the next few days, they're going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and where we can push them for the weekend," he added.
Apart from that, the Gunners also expect Gabriel Jesus to be back in the team soon. The Brazilian forward has played no part this season, but is likely to return after the Bayern match. Arsenal, meanwhile, will play a closed-door friendly against Manchester United on Thursday (November 27) as they look to integrate the recovering players.
